IEEE: 84% pass first wireless certification test

January 2, 2009--The IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc) has announced the results for the first IEEE Wireless Communication Engineering Technologies (IEEE WCET) Certification Program examination, held last fall. According to Professional Examination Service (PES), a professional
credential developer with a 60-year history of creating, implementing, and
enhancing quality programs, nearly 84% of those completing the IEEE
WCET examination earned a passing grade.

Jan 2nd, 2009

January 2, 2009--The IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc) has announced the results for the first IEEE Wireless Communication Engineering Technologies (IEEE WCET) Certification Program examination, held last fall. According to Professional Examination Service (PES), a professionalcredential developer with a 60-year history of creating, implementing, andenhancing quality programs, nearly 84% of those completing the IEEEWCET examination earned a passing grade.

The exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions encompassing seven key and distinct wireless areas, was developed and conducted under the guidance of PES and included input of thousands of volunteers and wireless industry experts from around the world.

"We are especially pleased with the results of this initial testing period,"says Celia Desmond, the IEEE WCET program director. "The program hasreceived a great deal of acclaim from both wireless industry professionalsas well as numerous corporations that must rely on qualified individuals toexpand the ever-growing worldwide need for wireless services. We lookforward to continually working with the global wireless community to createan international certification that clearly signifies the recipient'spractical problem-solving skills in real-world situations."

The IEEE WCET Program was launched in 2008 by IEEE ComSoc and aninternational collection of industry experts to address the worldwidewireless industry's need for qualified wireless professionals. Itwas also designed to provide professionals with a quantifiable method fordemonstrating expertise in the wireless field as new opportunities developworldwide.

To qualify for the IEEE WCET designation, candidates with a bachelor's orcomparable degree from an accredited institution and at least three years ofprofessional wireless engineering experience must pass the program'sdetailed comprehensive examination. Administered on computer at selectedworldwide locations, the official IEEE WCET exam is composed of 150 multiplechoice questions with each applicant given up to four hours to complete theexam.

The next IEEE WCET testing period is March 16 to April 4, with theapplication deadline February 2.

The $500 fee ($450 for IEEE and IEEE ComSoc members) covers the purchaseof the application, processing, the "seat fee" for taking the test, scoringand score reporting, and a certificate sent to those who pass the exam. Inaddition, a 75-question practice examination is also available online forcommunications professionals who would like to gauge their preparedness forthe official exam prior to the next testing period. Each practiceexamination consists of questions reviewed by IEEE WCET subject-matterexperts and can be taken up to four times by a single individual prior tositting for the official IEEE WCET exam.

Interested professionals are urged to visit www.ieee-wcet.org for programinformation and updates including eligibility requirements, testing datesand locations, and application information.